AUGUSTA, GA. - Lander University and the University of North Georgia baseball teams open the 2026 season ranked in the preseason American Baseball Coaches Association Division II Coaches Poll presented by Netting Professionals. The Bearcats have been ranked #27 followed closely by the Nighthawks at #29. 

Lander and North Georgia shared the PBC Regular Season title in 2025, as Lander took home the PBC Tournament title. Both teams received a bid to the NCAA Southeast Regional. Lander received the #8 seed in the region, and after falling short in the first game, secured their first regional victory in nine years in game two of the tournament, knocking down #4 Young Harris. The Bearcats closed their season the following game with a 43-15 overall record. North Georgia's regional run followed similar suit as they dropped their opening round game, but the Nighthawks took down Carson-Newman in the secord round to advance. The Nighthawks closed their season in the following round with a 41-17 overall record. 

Lander opens the regular season on Friday as they host Erskine in a double header. North Georgia opens the season in the sunshine state as they travel to Embry-Riddle for a three game series beginning Friday.